i played with one today, not for long but all i have to say is that it was WAY less intuitive than the other Evolt series. i dont understand why they didnt just keep the controls at least KINDA similar to the other models, since thats where most people will be coming from. i went from the E500 to the E510 and had absolutely 0 learning time. the E3 felt like a completely alien format to me.
anyone here have an E3? your thoughts?

oh, AND for those who were wondering, i saw NO difference in the autofocus speed of the 12-60 on the E3 compared to the same lens on the 510. in fact i feel that it was almost faster on the 510, maybe because i updated my firmware?

Hi Atomic, I don't blame Olympus for using a different control layout on the E-3 than the E-510 - after all, many Canon and Nikon owners would equally feel a bit alienated the first time they pick up one of their pro models - for example, they too have no command dial.

BUT I do think the controls are confusing on the E-3 and also not particularly comfortable to my hands anyway.

What did you think of the optical viewfinder compared to the E-510 though? I think it's a real highlight of the E-3...

Well, I was playing with the E3 a few days ago again.... As far as I can tell, its like a very big, very heavy E510. Confusing for me is when I decided to make some custom settings... But I dont see it... or feel it.

But his to his own.

As for the Viewfinder, its very very very nice, big, and gright.

the nice advantage I like is the flip screen. I cant get enough of it. And the best part is you can hide it and never have to look at it.... Its like shooting film again.... Im really in my element when Im using the E3...

but since I already am an E510 user, I might as well wait for the future instalments of Oly or Canon.